April 8, 2010
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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -
The Maryland competitive cheer team is in second place after the first round of NCA Nationals Thursday morning. The Terps earned a strong overall score of 9.148 to land just outside the top spot.
The Terrapins' new opening pyramid, a rewind to a three-level stunt, received high reviews from the judging panel. Maryland's mistakes came in the partner stunt portion of the routine, as one fell.
Always strong in the favorable and subjective categories, the Terps received high marks in those areas, but can still improve.
Competing in the All-Girl IA division, the team from Louisville is in first place after a clean performance. The Cardinals carry a first-round score of 9.468.
The Terrapins' division is scheduled to take begin competing around 6 p.m. Friday evening. The finals round is usually outside, but has been moved inside due to an unfavorable forecast.
The Terps will also compete against teams from Oregon, Penn State, N.C. State, South Carolina, Ohio State, Pittsburgh, Louisville and Georgia. Louisville won the 2009 crown.
Maryland has taken first place at all competitions this year except Cheersport nationals in Atlanta in February. The Terps hosted a home exhibition last Friday with the spirit squad and the team from Towson to showcase routines for fans.
Fans can watch the competition live at varsity.com.
All Girl IA Preliminary Standings
1. University of Louisville 9.468
2. UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND 9.148
3. N.C. State University 8.907
4. University of South Carolina 8.791
5. University of Georgia 8.782
6. University of Oregon 8.700
7. Ohio State University 8.298
8. Michigan State University 8.266
9. University of Illinois 8.195
10. University of Pittsburgh 7.595
11. Penn State University 6.782
-Go Terps- 